BACKGROUND: The molecular mechanisms of dietary oils (such as fish oil) and unsaturated fatty acids, which are widely used by the public for anti-inflammation and vascular protection, have not been settled yet. In this study, prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))-mediated calcium signaling was used to screen dietary oils and eight unsaturated fatty acids for identification of their anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Isolated fat/stromal cells expressing endogenous PGE(2) receptors and an HEK293 cell line specifically expressing the recombinant human PGE(2) receptor subtype-1 (EP(1)) were cultured and used in live cell calcium signaling assays. The different dietary oils and unsaturated fatty acids were used to affect cell signaling under the specific stimulation of a pathological amount of inflammatory PGE(2).RESULTS: It was identified that fish oil best inhibited the PGE(2) signaling in the primary cultured stromal cells. Second, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in abundance in fish oil, was identified as a key factor of inhibition of PGE(2) signaling. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), another major fatty acid found in fish oil and tested in this study was found to have small effect on EP(1) signaling. The study suggested one of the four PGE(2) subtype receptors, EP(1) as the key target for the fish oil and DHA target. These findings were further confirmed by using the recombinant EP(1) expressed in HEK293 cells as a target.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the new mechanism behind the positive effects of dietary fish oils in inhibiting inflammation originates from the rich concentration of DHA, which can directly inhibit the inflammatory EP(1)-mediated PGE(2) receptor signaling, and that the inflammatory response stimulated by PGE(2) in the fat stromal cells, which directly related to metabolic diseases, could be down regulated by fish oil and DHA. These findings also provided direct evidence to support the use of dietary oils and unsaturated fatty acids for protection against heart disease, pain, and cancer resulted from inflammatory PGE(2).

3The Center for Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacoinformatics, Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204, USA

Background

Fish oil and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) are widely used as supplements for prevention or treatment of inflammation, vascular diseases, pain, and cancer; however, the health benefits and molecular targets of these compounds have not been clearly identified yet. Nevertheless, many advances have recently been made by searching the molecular targets of fish oil. It is believed that the biological activity of fish oil is related to reducing the excess endogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is synthesized through the inducible and inflammatory cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) pathway [1,2]. When cells undergo inflammatory stimulation, an endogenous fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA), released from the cell membrane, is converted into an intermediator, prostaglandin H2, (by COX-2) and then further converted into PGE2 by PGE2 synthases [3-5]. There are three different PGE2 synthases in cells that have been identified, although the one most associated with inflammatory stimulation is the inducible microsomal PGE2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) [6,7]. The inflammatory activity of PGE2 is mediated by its receptors (EPs) on the cell membrane. There are four subtypes of EPs, termed EP1, EP2, EP3 and EP4 which have been cloned, characterized [4], and identified in inflammatory tissues and cancers [8-13]. When the receptors receive excess PGE2, they immediately begin signaling and cause an increase in intracellular calcium (by EP1 and EP3) or cAMP (by EP2 and EP4) levels which leads to the biological functions of PGE2 – thus causing the inflammation that is directly related to the pathological processes of pain, vascular diseases, and cancer cell growth [4].

The COX-2/mPGES-1-pathway -induced excess PGE2 signaling plays a key role in inflammation and pain as confirmed by the non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and selective COX-2 inhibitors (Vioxx and Celebrex), which specifically target COX activity [4,5]. From the century old drug, aspirin [5,14] to the modern COX-2 inhibitor, Celebrex [5], all NSAIDS have the same goal: inhibit COX’s ability to reduce excess PGE2 production and signaling. However, non-selective NSAIDs can cause severe stomach insult, such as bleeding.

In this study, we have screened several dietary oils and unsaturated fatty acids for identification of the particular oils and fatty acids with potential use for prevention and treatment of inflammation and its related diseases. We found that fish oil and DHA have the ability to inhibit the inflammatory PGE2 signaling receptor, EP1.

The mouse stromal cells expressing endogenous subtype EPs were isolated from mouse fat tissue and cultured using Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium (DMEM) medium with fetal bovine serum (FBS) as described previously [15]. The protocol for the animal fat cell extraction was approved by the University of Houston Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.

EP1 receptor pcDNA construction

A pAcSG-EP cDNA cloned by our laboratory was first subcloned into EcoRI/XhoI sites of pcDNA3.1 (+) expression vector to generate the plasmid of pcDNA: human EP1. The pcDNA vector has a Cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter and geneticin (G418) as the selection antibiotic.

Stable expression of recombinant human EP1 in HEK293 cells

The generation of the HEK293 cell line stably expressing human EP1 (HEK293-hEP1) has been described previously [16]. Briefly, HEK293 cells cultured in DMEM containing FBS (10%), antibiotics, and antimycotics were transfected with the purified pcDNA: human EP1 using the Lipofectamine 2000 method [16]. Approximately 48 hours after transfection, the cells were subcultured and incubated with G418 (selection antibiotic) for four weeks to generate the HEK293 cell line stably expressing human EP1 (HEK293-hEP1).

Western blot analysis

Immunoblot analysis

The cultured cells were collected and washed with PBS. The proteins were separated by 7-10% (w/v) SDS-PAGE under denaturing conditions and then transferred to a nitrocellulose membrane. Bands recognized by individual primary antibodies were visualized with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated secondary antibody as described [16].

Digestion of oils

One milliliter of each oil (olive, canola, sesame, and fish) was individually mixed with 10mg of lipase in 50 μl of PBS. The mixtures were vortexed and kept at 37°C for two hours and then centrifuged at 5,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) for five minutes. Supernatants were stored at 4°C.

Determination of PGE2 signaling

The cultured cells were washed twice (1 mL medium/well), and then incubated with new cell culture medium (1 mL/well) containing calcium binding reagent, Fluo-8 (50 μg). After 30 minutes of incubation at 37°C, the cells were washed with serum-free medium three times to remove the excess Fluo-8 that did not enter the cells, and then observed under a Nikon fluorescence microscope (Nikon, Eclipse Ti) using a software (NIS Elements 2.35) designed specifically for calcium signaling. To start the signaling assay, PGE2 (50 μL, 0.12 μM) was added. The increasing fluorescence signal, generated by the calcium bound to Fluo-8 inside the cells through the binding of PGE2 to its receptor, was recorded under the fluorescence microscope and analyzed.

Determination of the effects of the dietary oils on the PGE2-mediated receptor signaling in the cells

A procedure similar to that used above was performed for the determination of the effects of the dietary oils on PGE2-mediated receptor signaling. The only difference was that the PGE2 used was mixed with the digested individual oils at varied concentrations for 5 minutes before being added to the Fluo-8 loaded cells.

Determination of the effects of individual fatty acids on the PGE2-mediated receptor signaling in the cells

Individual fatty acids dissolved in DMSO (10 μl, 10 μM)) were mixed with the PGE2 for five minutes, and then added into Fluo-8-loaded cells. The fluorescence changes were recorded under the fluorescence microscope. The PGE2 mixed with PBS was used as control.

Data analysis

To observe the intensity of the fluorescence signaling mediated by the PGE2 in the absence and presence of the dietary oils and fatty acids, the specific effects of the dietary oils and fatty acids on the PGE2 signaling were identified by the comparison of the their signal intensities. After analyzing the control cells results, the results were plotted to show the difference between the oils and fatty acids. The experiments were repeated three times.

Statistical analysis

Student’s t-test was used as the statistical analysis tool.

Results

The expression of endogenous PGE2 receptors in fat stromal cells

During inflammation, COX-2 and mPGES-1 genes in the cells are upregulated, which increase the enzyme levels to metabolize the endogenous unsaturated fatty acid, arachidonic acid (AA). AA is converted into a mediator (PGH2) by COX-2, and then further converted into PGE2 by PGES enzymes. This pathway can result in excess PGE2, which binds to receptors on the surface of cells. The binding causes the receptor to couple to internal proteins and trigger an increase in secondary messenger molecules, such as calcium and cAMP inside the cell. This signaling has been identified as a pathogenic factor promoting cancer, heart diseases, and arthritis/pain. The fat stromal cells were isolated from the mouse fat tissue and cultured. The PGE2 receptors were identified by Western blot analysis using EP subtype-specific antibodies (Figure 1). Among the four EPs, EP1and EP3 mediates calcium mobilization, but EP2 and EP4 mediate cAMP changes. For determination of the live cell signaling, EP1 is the best choice since the calcium mobilization can be monitored while the cells are still alive (in culture).

Mimicking the gastrointestinal tract to digest oils

The dietary oils taken into the gastrointestinal tract must be digested into fatty acids and glycerol, and then absorbed into the body. To mimic this step, the oils were incubated with lipase (produced by the pancreas) for 120 minutes at 37°C. The lipase was able to break down the oils into fatty acid and glycerol, as shown in Figure 2.

Identification of the excessive inflammatory PGE2 induced EP1 signaling in the fat stromal cells using the highly sensitive Fluo-8 as a calcium indicator

The micromolar concentration of PGE2 which can cause inflammation was added to the cells to see the response through EP1 calcium signaling. However, the traditional Fura-2 calcium assay for live cells is not sensitive enough and therefore not very promising for determination of endogenous EP1 activity. Thus, Fluo-8, one of the newer calcium indicators was used based on its ability to increase fluorescence signals by 100–250 times when the compound forms a complex with calcium. Based on this principle, the membrane permeable Fluo-8 was introduced to the cultured fat stromal cells expressing endogenous EPs. The fluorescent signal increase after the addition of exogenous PGE2 represents the increase in intracellular levels of calcium from the inflammatory PGE2 bound to its receptor (Figure 3). During the assay, the fluorescence intensity of the live cells was monitored using the designated fluorescence microscope. The background signal of the Fluo-8 in the cells is shown in Figure 3 (before PGE2 addition). After the PGE2 was added and signaling started, the fluorescence intensity of the cells increased due to the presence of calcium signaling induced by the PGE2 bound to its receptors in the cells. The cell signaling only lasts a few seconds and then returns to the base line. Figure 3 shows the individual cells’ response to the calcium signaling after binding to PGE2.

Determination of the effects of the digested dietary oils on PGE2-mediated receptor signaling in the live cells

The PGE2 (0.12 μM) was mixed with ~1.0 μl of four individual, digested dietary oils including fish, olive, canola and sesame oils, and then was added into the cultured cells. The profiles of the PGE2-mediated calcium signaling (in the presence of the oils) were recorded and shown in Figure 4. The data revealed that the only oil which strongly inhibited PGE2 signaling was fish oil (Figure 4B, F). Other oils showed interference of the signaling through changes in signaling patterns, but no significant inhibition (Figure 4C-E). The significant inhibition of the fish oil on the PGE2 signaling was further compared and plotted in Figure 4F.

PGE2 signaling affected by the different concentrations of fish oil

To further confirm that fish oil can inhibit PGE2 signaling, increasing concentrations of the digested fish oil were added to the PGE2 cell signaling system. Figure 5A showed the entire profiles of PGE2 signaling decreasing with the increasing digested fish oil concentrations. The data were further calculated for the peak values, and then plotted in Figure 5B, which provided a dose response curve for identification of 50% inhibition (IC50) of the oil concentration. The results revealed that 0.02 μl of the fish oil was able to give approximately 50% inhibition for the PGE2 signaling (Figure 5B). Based on the estimation that UFAs in the fish oil is approximately 80%, then 0.02 μl of digested fish oil contained approximately 50% UFAs. Thus, 0.02 μl (18 μg) oil is equivalent to 9 μg of the mixed UFAs in one mL assay, which gives approximately a 27 μM concentration based on average MW 300 for the UFAs.

The effects of individual UFAs on the PGE2-mediated receptor signaling in the cells

The dietary oils are formed by different unsaturated fatty acids and glycerol. In order to find out the reasons why fish oil inhibits PGE2 signaling, eight unsaturated fatty acids were tested for their inhibition of PGE2 signaling using the same calcium assay. DHA had the strongest inhibition of PGE2 signaling (Figure 6). EPA and other fatty acids did not have significant inhibition at those concentrations and oleic acid showed 50% inhibition. Fish oils contain large amounts of DHA and EPA.

To further confirm whether the results obtained from mouse fat stromal cells could be applied to human use, a recombinant human EP1 was over expressed in the human cell line (HEK293) which has minimal expression of the other subtype EPs, and then used as a target for the fish oil inhibition assay similar to that described in Figure 5. Similar results were observed, in which the digested fish oil has an identical pattern for inhibiting the human EP1 signaling (Figure 7), which is similar to that of the fat stromal cells (Figure 5).

Discussion

COX-2 inhibitors can increase the risk for heart disease, which is a serious side effect because the COX-produced intermediator, PGH2, is also a substance used for producing the vascular protective molecule, prostacyclin [5]. Thus, finding supplements as alternatives to the selective and non-selective NSAIDs to reduce and prevent inflammation is of high importance. Some UFA-rich dietary oils with unsaturated fatty acids such as fish oil have been found to have anti-inflammatory functions. Most reports focused on the observation and confirmation that dietary oils could reduce PGE2 biosynthesis through competition with AA on the substrate-binding site of COXs [17,18]. However, we found that the fish oil was not very effective in inhibiting COX-2/mPGES-1 activities via inhibition of the inflammatory PGE2 biosynthesis, and thus may be doing so through another mechanism. Based on the fact that PGE2 is derived from a UFA, and that UFA molecules have similar structures to PGE2, we can safely say that molecules which have similar structures to PGE2 may bind to some target molecules, such as EPs, and in turn block PGE2 signaling. In this case, the similar UFA molecules may act as antagonists against inflammation. Many drugs have been developed for treatment of diseases based on the antagonist principle. The search for an “antagonist” to compete with PGE2 in binding to the receptor and block its signaling is an important step towards finding something that can reduce PGE2, yet maintain COX activity for production of the vascular protector, prostacyclin. This information has led us to hypothesize that if dietary oils contain unsaturated fatty acids with similar structures to that of PGE2, then fish oil and certain omega-3 fatty acids may have the ability to block PGE2 from binding to its receptors and then inhibit signaling, resulting in reduced inflammation. In this paper, we tested this hypothesis and found a novel mechanism of dietary oils and UFAs showing anti-inflammatory potential through inhibiting EP signaling. The study has provided important evidence that fish oil and one of its major ingredients, DHA, have the ability to inhibit PGE2 signaling, which highlights the benefit of taking fish oil as a supplement for health, including preventing inflammation, cancers and heart diseases.

Many studies have shown that the use of UFAs, such as omega-3 fat acid and the UFA-rich dietary oils, can benefit in the prevention and reduction of inflammation that is involved in promoting heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and pain. However, little information is available regarding the effects of the dietary oils and UFAs on specific inflammatory PGE2 signaling (mediated by receptors) that are considered better targets for developing novel therapeutic interventions against inflammation. Our study has found that fish oil has a significant effect on inhibition of PGE2 binding to the EP1 receptor and thus inhibiting the signaling (Figure 5). The observation was further confirmed by a dose response assay, in which the IC50 was established (Figure 6). These results suggested that the fish oil could also likely bind to the other subtype PGE2 receptors, EP2, EP 3 and EP 4 and inhibit their signaling. This led to the conclusion that dietary fish oil can reduce PGE2-mediated inflammation. Therefore, consuming fish oil can reduce major risk factors of cancers, heart disease, arthritis, and pain. In contrast, olive oil, canola oil and sesame oil have altered PGE2 signaling patterns (delaying or prolonging signaling, Figure 5), but have less effects on inhibition of PGE2-mediated calcium signaling. Thus, taking these oils may not yield results as strong as fish oil for the prevention of cancers, heart disease, arthritis, and pain caused by excess inflammatory PGE2.

To further identify the active ingredient in the fish oil involved in the inhibition of PGE2 binding to its receptors, screenings of the inhibitory activities of the UFAs (major ingredients in the dietary oils) were performed. Among the eight UFAs present in the dietary oils, DHA best inhibits PGE2-signaling. Data analysis has determined that fish oil contains high concentrations of DHA compounds, which provides strong scientific evidence supporting the study in which fish oil has superior inflammation inhibiting abilities. Previously, researchers had found that fish oil high in DHA and low in EPA reduced inflammation, but were unaware of the mechanisms behind this conclusion [17,18]. This study has provided a novel finding and evidence that fish oil and DHA have anti-inflammatory effects through inhibiting PGE2 receptor signaling.

The study not only provided the mechanism behind fish oil and DHA acting on receptor levels, but also quantitatively measured the effect of the fish oil on inhibiting PGE2 signaling, which provides important information on how to effectively supplement with fish oil. In Figure 6B, the IC50 for fish oil is about 0.02 μl (0.018 mg) in a total of 1000 μl (1.0 ml) cell solution. Thus, the IC50 for fish oil is approximately 18 mg/L or 54 μM (using the average molecular weight of fatty acids with 300 Daltons). There are 4–5 liters of bloods in a 150 pound body. This means that consuming 100 mg fish oil should yield IC50 results. If given 5 to 10 times the IC50, then taking 500 –1000 mg fish oil daily is recommended based on the findings in this study.

Conclusion

Finally, we conclude that fish oil is a promising dietary oil used to prevent and reduce inflammation-mediated diseases, such as heart diseases, cancers, arthritis, and pain. The mechanism behind the benefits of fish oil is not only to interfere with PGE2 biosynthesis as reported previously, but more importantly the fish oil has the ability to inhibit the inflammatory factor, PGE2 binding to its receptor and thereby reduce the inflammatory signaling. In other words, fish oil can be taken by people striving to reduce risks of heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. This study also revealed that the mechanism behind the inhibiting of PGE2 signaling of fish oils comes from the rich concentrations of DHA, which have the ability to directly inhibit PGE2 signaling. These findings may greatly affect people that consume dietary oils on a daily basis, and also those concerned with protecting themselves against health risks, cancer and pain. This study was an attempt to find a novel mechanism for the fish oil and UFA on inhibition of the inflammation. However, it should be noted that other possibilities and pathways should not be excluded.

Competing interests

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Authors’ contributions

DR carried out the cell culturing and calcium signaling assay, participated in the Western blot analysis, and prepared the Figures and drafted the manuscript. SS carried out the cell line construction and Western blot, participated the cell signaling assay and finalized the manuscript preparation. Both authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Pre-publication history

The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:

http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/12/143/prepub

Acknowledgements

This project was supported by the Center for Experimental Therapeutics and PharmacoInformatics at the University of Houston and Bellaire High School Science Club. Additionally, we thank the 51st Annual Science the Engineering fare of Greater Houston which was awarded the first place (in medicine category) for DR, and the Houston Nutrition Association with a special award to DR based on the unpublished poster presentation.

Profiles of the Western blot analyses for PGE2 receptors (EPs). 50 μg of the protein of the isolated cultured fat cells and HEK293 cells over expressing EP1 and control HEK293 cells were isolated by 12 % PAGE and then transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. The receptors were stained by specific subtype EP antibodies, as indicated.

[Figure ID: F2]

Figure 2

Schematic representation showing the breakdown of digested oils with lipase. The fatty acid component of the dietary oil is absorbed into the body through the cell membrane as shown and then lead to several actions/diseases through the designated receptor, as indicated.

[Figure ID: F3]

Figure 3

Photographs and corresponding fluorescence intensity graphs for individual fat stromal cells before, during, and after PGE2 signaling. Each stromal cell was circled on the screen using a different color to measure their intensity level and the PGE2-induced signaling was recorded using the corresponding matching colors. The graphs directly below the photographs represent the cell signaling before, during, and after the addition of PGE2 (0.12 μM). The graph on the bottom is the complete signaling pattern for all cells.

[Figure ID: F4]

Figure 4

Profiles of the inhibition of the oils on PGE2 signaling. Following the same procedures as those mentioned in Fig. 3, the PGE2 signaling was recorded for stromal cells in the presence of PGE2 with buffer (A.), fish oil (B.), olive oil (C.), canola oil (C.), or sesame oil (E.). The arrow indicates the addition of PGE2 plus buffer/oil. Comparison of the inhibition of the oils on PGE2 signaling (n = 4) was showed in F (1, buffer; 2, fish oil; 3, olive oil; 4, canola oil; 5, sesame oil, and 6, HEK293 control).

[Figure ID: F5]

Figure 5

A) Profiles for increasing PGE2 signaling inhibition. Increasing amounts of fish oil (as labeled) were added to the stromal cells and the signaling was recorded. B). Dose response curve for increasing PGE2 signaling inhibition in the stromal cells with fish oil. The IC50 determination by converting Figure 4A inhibition peaks into curve and using approximately 0.02 ul of the fish oil was indicated.

[Figure ID: F6]

Figure 6

Comparison of the effects of the UFAs on PGE2 signaling through the binding to the EP1 receptor. The intensity is plotted as percentage (n = 3). The P values of DHA and EPA compared to others are <0.01 and <0.05, respectively.

[Figure ID: F7]

Figure 7

Profiles for increasing PGE2 signaling inhibition. Increasing amounts of fish oil were added to the HEK293-EP1 cells following the same procedures described in Figure 5 and the signaling was recorded. The HEK293 cell stably expressing recombinant human EP1 receptor was cultured and used as target to replace the fat stromal cells shown in Figure 5.